MGM, BWHR enhance rewards programs

MGM Resorts and Best Western Hotels & Resorts have made updates to their respective rewards programs, with MGM introducing a new name.

MGM Resorts reimagines loyalty rewards program with new name
MGM Resorts will be rolling out its reimagined loyalty rewards program, MGM Rewards, on Feb. 1.

For the first time, non-gaming customers will join their gaming counterparts and have the benefit of earning a currency—MGM Rewards Points—redeemable for complimentary food and beverage, entertainment, hotel stays and more. All members can now earn points on nearly all expenditures at MGM Resorts destinations, integrating both non-gaming and gaming activity. In addition to MGM Rewards Points, customers playing slots also will earn Slot Dollars. MGM Resorts’ five member tier levels—Sapphire, Pearl, Gold, Platinum and Noir—remain in place.

MGM Rewards offers members new and exclusive marquee benefits, including waived resort fees (Gold+), Tier Achievement Travel Credit to Las Vegas (Platinum+), complimentary tickets to MGM Rewards concerts (Pearl+), advanced suite upgrades for up to three nights (Platinum+), access to exclusive tier appreciation events and experiences (Gold+) and 4 p.m. late checkout (based on availability; Platinum+). As an added benefit, MGM Rewards Points and Slot Dollars will not expire for Pearl+ members due to account inactivity.

“MGM Resorts boasts an unrivaled collection of resorts and amenities for our guests from around the world,” said Anil Mansukhani, VP, loyalty marketing, MGM Resorts. “As every guest experiences our properties in unique ways, MGM Rewards is designed to recognize and reward every member with experiences uniquely suited to their preferences, whether that’s attending an incredible concert, enjoying a world-class meal or staying in a luxury suite. MGM Rewards was developed as a direct result of customer feedback and now offers more ways to earn, more ways to redeem, and more exclusive benefits at MGM Resorts’ 20+ destinations nationwide.”

Best Western Hotels & Resorts launches pay with points for rewards members
Best Western Hotels & Resorts’ (BWHR) loyalty program—Best Western Rewards (BWR)—is welcoming the new year with the launch of Pay with Points.

BWR members can now reserve their next hotel stay using accumulated loyalty points to pay for part of their booking, allowing for added flexibility when planning their next hotel stay. By using Pay with Points, BWR members no longer have to wait to reach the free room night threshold and can tap into their points right away to redeem discounted room rates at hotels across North America.

Prior to rolling out the new benefit, BWHR tested Pay with Points through a beta program featuring select properties across North America. Each of these hotels offered discounted rates to BWR members who had accrued at least 5,000 BWR points, which could be used towards part of their hotel stay. During the beta test, a third of BWR members used a combination of BWR points and cash to book stays of two nights or more, which ultimately boosted the bottom line for participating hotels.

“Pay with Points is designed to help both BWR members and our hoteliers. BWR members can now redeem points to pay for part of their hotel stay and our hotel owners will benefit because BWR members are being introduced to new properties within our portfolio,” said Dorothy Dowling, SVP/chief marketing officer, BWHR. “We’re always looking to provide our rewards members with new promotions and benefits, and we’re excited to introduce Pay with Points to Best Western-branded hotels across North America.”

To redeem Pay with Points, a minimum of 5,000 points is required, which translates to a $25 saving on a hotel booking. BWR members will also earn 10 points for every dollar spent on the paid portion of the Pay with Points reservation.